A 16-storey building under construction in Nairobi's Eastleigh area collapsed on Friday, October 23, along 9th Street, triggering a rescue operation as emergency teams searched for people trapped beneath the rubble. The incident has raised questions about construction approvals, safety inspections, and the enforcement of building regulations in Nairobi. The building collapse has sparked widespread concern over building safety and whether existing regulations are being adequately enforced.
Content creator Njambi Fever has demanded accountability following the collapse, questioning why those responsible for the construction had yet to face clear consequences. In a post shared online on Monday, October 26, Njambi expressed frustration over what she described as a lack of answers from authorities following the tragedy. She emphasized the need for accountability, urging Kenyans to demand answers from leaders across the political divide.
Njambi also raised questions about reports that the building's registered owner had died, demanding clarity on who was responsible for the development. Government Spokesperson Charles Owino had previously said the registered owner was deceased, with the owner's family and another party linked to the property. Police launched a search for the contractor as investigations into the collapse began.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the county had approved a change of use for the property but had not approved the architectural plans required to authorise the construction. He also noted that the building did not have an occupation certificate. The Governor's comments have raised further questions about the role of county officials in the building's construction and collapse.
The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has directed the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate whether county officials, the developer, contractors, or other professionals contributed to the collapse. The DCI is expected to examine the planning, approval, supervision, and construction processes before forwarding its findings to the DPP for consideration. Anyone found criminally responsible could face prosecution, regardless of their position.
Rescue teams continued searching the debris on Monday, while families waited for information about relatives feared trapped in the building. By Monday evening, the Kenya Defence Forces said six survivors had been rescued from the rubble. The Kenya Red Cross had received reports of 47 people missing, although the figures were still subject to verification.
Njambi urged Kenyans to demand accountability from leaders across the political divide rather than focus their criticism on specific individuals or political camps. She also questioned what might have happened had the building collapsed after completion and occupation, warning of the potential danger to residents, traders, and other people who could have used the premises.
Key points
- The building collapse has raised questions about construction approvals, safety inspections, and the enforcement of building regulations in Nairobi.
- Njambi Fever has demanded accountability from authorities, urging Kenyans to demand answers from leaders across the political divide.
- The Director of Public Prosecutions has directed an investigation into the collapse, which could lead to prosecution of those found criminally responsible.
